Artist transforms country schoolhouse in Otter Tail County into gallery
At one time, country schools were common in Minnesota. Over the decades, many were torn down as bigger schools were built — not in Otter Tail County.
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At one time, country schools were common in Minnesota. Over the decades, many were torn down as bigger schools were built — not in Otter Tail County.
Ramsey Park is so large some people call it "The Little Yellowstone of Minnesota." And it was actually a state park at one point. But in 1957, Redwood Falls acquired the land for $1 and then made a few changes.
In this edition of Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to one of the last limestone kilns in the state.
Earlier this month, many students went back to school after summer vacation, but in the town of McGregor, Minnesota it's always the first day of school.
In the United States, there are 13 different towns named Long Beach. The one in Minnesota is the smallest, but it's found a colorful way to stand out.
The Aerial Lift Bridge has been granting safe passage for so long that it's become part of the city's skyline. It's evolved over the years, but many of its original parts are still intact.
There's a cabin that blends into its surroundings so well, you almost can't see it. In Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shares the story behind the "Mirror Cabin" near the town of Ironton.
It's been 50 years since WCCO has been at its current location at the "Great Minnesota Get-Together."
Caves that were once used for making beer in the 1800s are now used for making cheese. In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen looks into the history of the cheese caves in Faribault.
On his five-acre property in Blaine, Minnesota, Erik Lund has plenty of space to fine-tune his golf game and his guitar game.
This Friday, the town of Braham will reach a milestone as it celebrates its 35th "Pie Day." It's always the first Friday in August.
In the mid-90s, a group of Alexandria, Minnesota, residents wanted to highlight wooden boats and their craftsmanship, believing they were essentially works of art. So, they converted an old city garage into the Legacy of Lakes Museum.
The town of Sedan, Minnesota, has gone out of its way to celebrate an every-day household item.
It might be the only beach of its kind in the entire country. Black Beach in Silver Bay has become a popular summertime destination, and that might have something to do with its striking look.
One hundred years ago a Danish immigrant named John Christensen was trying to farm near the village of Itasca. But he kept hitting rocks with his plow. Instead of getting frustrated, he got creative.
Guillermo Mercado-Chaparro was arrested and charged last July after authorities seized nearly 900 pounds of meth from two vehicles in St. Paul.
On Thursday, the Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs posted on X saying nearly 20,000 Americans have returned to the U.S. from the Middle East since the end of February.
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday voted to temporarily extend the eviction notice period for renters in an effort to help support residents impacted by Operation Metro Surge.
New data from the American Jewish Committee shows a strong surge in antisemitism across America. As it's happening, Jews in Minnesota are turning somewhere they typically haven't before — the gun range.
The husband of the Minnesota soldier killed last weekend in Kuwait says he hopes to honor her with a memorial greenhouse.
Charges say Sujan Tamang and his codefendant, 21-year-old Dipak Phayal, forced a student into her St. Cloud State University dorm room on Nov. 1, 2024. The two then assaulted her.
Southern Minnesota's Lois Widmark, 104, played a key role in helping the Allies gain victory in World War II.
On Thursday, the Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs posted on X saying nearly 20,000 Americans have returned to the U.S. from the Middle East since the end of February.
Authorities have lifted a shelter-in-place warning issued earlier on Thursday in a residential area of Hastings, Minnesota.
Some Minnesota House Democrats think any federal immigration agents who lived in the state during Operation Metro Surge should pay state taxes.
As the war in Iran evolves, National Guardsmen from Wisconsin are being recognized for what they are doing in the Middle East.
It's the season for booking those spring break getaways, and if you're looking to skip the airport this year, take a page out of the Condé Nast Traveler.
A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a deportation scheme to 16½ years in prison.
A fire at a hotel in Superior, Wisconsin, Monday night left one person hurt and forced guests to move to new lodgings.
Excitement is in the air in northern Wisconsin with the 52nd annual American Birkebeiner underway.
Minnesota native and World War II veteran Les Schrenk died earlier this week. He was 102 years old.
People from across the nation are traveling to the Twin Cities, but not as tourists. Many want to learn in person from Minnesota protestors to bring that knowledge back to their own cities.
The Edina wife and mother of three said she felt called to go and protest in south Minneapolis after learning that Alex Pretti had been shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents.
Tuesday afternoon, more than 20 people gathered on the Highway 62 bridge between Minneapolis and Richfield after a small protest sparked a confrontation there last week.
Karmel Mall has been mostly silent, with shops closed at the building on East Lake Street. Operation Metro Surge has caused many Somalis to stay home.
One in six struggle to get pregnant or stay pregnant, according to analysis by infertility associations, and many cannot afford treatments due to high out-of-pocket costs.
Work permits, driver's licenses, a nail gun. These are just some of the items listed off in federal court Thursday. ICE can't find them, according to the attorneys for the former detainees trying to get their possessions back.
Here in Minnesota, a federal judge is threatening civil fines after ICE failed to return personal property to released detainees. As our Conor Wight shows us it's the second time this week, the U.S. attorney has been called to court.
Minnesota leaders are reacting Thursday to President Trump's announcement that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is leaving her post after facing increasing scrutiny following the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good at the hands of federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.
Fertility treatments can be out of reach for many families who need it, but that could change under a bill at the Minnesota Capitol this year.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof.
Gas prices in Minnesota are climbing, mirroring a national trend experts say is at least in part caused by the U.S. and Israel attacking Iran.
It's the season for booking those spring break getaways, and if you're looking to skip the airport this year, take a page out of the Condé Nast Traveler.
As the strikes from U.S. and Israel continue, and Iran strikes back, the violence and turmoil could have significant worldwide ramifications.
On Friday, hundreds of leaders from Minnesota food banks and food shelves came together in Brooklyn Center. Their goal is to find the best ways to help hungry families in the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, and while food prices remain high.
Charges say Sujan Tamang and his codefendant, 21-year-old Dipak Phayal, forced a student into her St. Cloud State University dorm room on Nov. 1, 2024. The two then assaulted her.
Guillermo Mercado-Chaparro was arrested and charged last July after authorities seized nearly 900 pounds of meth from two vehicles in St. Paul.
Authorities have lifted a shelter-in-place warning issued earlier on Thursday in a residential area of Hastings, Minnesota.
The first of five people charged with jury tampering and bribery in connection to Minnesota's Feeding Our Future scandal was sentenced Wednesday to nearly five years in prison.
One person is dead and others are injured in a crash early Wednesday involving a Ramsey County Sheriff's Office squad car in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota.
One in six struggle to get pregnant or stay pregnant, according to analysis by infertility associations, and many cannot afford treatments due to high out-of-pocket costs.
HHS Secretary RFK Jr. wants the popular coffee chains to prove their surgery drinks are safe for teens and suggested the Trump administration could place limits on your cup of coffee.
Tests of dozens of baby formulas by Consumer Reports found that nearly half contained potentially dangerous chemicals.
Minnesota on Monday sued Trump administration officials Dr. Mehmet Oz and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in an attempt to stop them from withholding $243 million in Medicaid spending, warning it may have to cut health care for low-income families if the funding is held back.
Thousands of Minnesotans enrolled in Medicaid take a total of millions of trips to their medical appointments each year through nonemergency medical transportation services, a federally required, taxpayer-funded program that's among more than a dozen others Minnesota determined to be at "high risk" for fraud.
Valleyfair in Shakopee, Minnesota, will soon come under new ownership.
A new art exhibition in Shoreview, Minnesota, is inviting visitors to see art — and maybe themselves — a little differently.
Actor and filmmaker Bruce Campbell told fans that he is in treatment for cancer and will cancel some upcoming public appearances.
The Minnesota Wild and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her announced a $600 million plan on Tuesday to renovate the team's arena and connected venues.
The 80-year-old will play at Grand Casino Arena on Sept. 15. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.
Between the four teams duking it out in the WCHA semifinals — Minnesota, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Minnesota State — there are six players who won the gold medal for the U.S. women's hockey team.
Indiana ends a four-game skid with a commanding 77-47 win over Minnesota as Sam Alexis sparks an early blowout.
Holtz coached Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996, winning 100 games with the school, including a 12-0 national title-winning season in 1988.
Kirill Kaprizov broke the franchise career goals record with 220, Mats Zuccarello, Brock Faber and Quinn Hughes each had a goal and assist and the Minnesota Wild beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-1 Tuesday night.
Anthony Edwards scored 41 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a sluggish first half to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 117-110.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Grace Arnold, Department of Commerce commissioner about what's driving rising insurance premiums and what you should look from in home insurance coverage.
The month of March will be a pivotal one as Minnesota attempts to emerge from the shadow of massive fraud.
The month of March will be a pivotal one as Minnesota attempts to emerge from the shadow of massive fraud.
In the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, a bill to make it easier for someone to sue the federal government is advancing at the Minnesota Capitol.
One of the oldest operating theaters in the Midwest is in danger of closing its doors for good.
In St. Louis Park, Minnesota, there's a place where you can find radio and television technology that's nearly a century old — and it still works.
One of the best views in Minnesota is at the top of a Bloomington hill. But 15-year-old Jacob Larson isn't here for the scenery. He's here for the jump.
Pine trees are a common sight up north. But on a Carlton, Minnesota, road, they're joined by giant lollipops. They serve as the welcoming committee for Sweetly Kismet, one of the largest candy stores in the state.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A push for stricter gun laws in Minnesota is not new. However, this session comes on the heels of a devastating mass shooting last summer in which the target was students in prayer at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
The military strikes against Iran have sparked intense debate in Congress. U.S. lawmakers are not only split on whether to support the operation but also on whether President Trump should have sought congressional approval in advance. WCCO investigates how the Constitution defines declarations of war.
Traveling is already stressful, especially flying, but the deadly conflict south of the border might have some travelers second-guessing their upcoming trips.
Drivers beware. Cities are seeing an uptick in stolen cars this winter.
On the first day of the Minnesota Legislature, artificial intelligence is giving visitors and lawmakers at the State Capitol a new sense of security.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says rain arrives tonight and continue into tomorrow, with the chance of some rumbles of thunder to the south.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Rain showers will arrive Thursday night and continue into Friday.
Friday will feature rounds of rain with a few rumbles of thunder possible, mainly south, in the afternoon, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says rain arrives tonight and continue into tomorrow, with the chance of some rumbles of thunder to the south.
Minnesota native and World War II veteran Les Schrenk, passed away earlier this week. He was 102. WCCO Reporter John Lauritsen and photojournalist Tom Aviles got to know Les over the years doing several stories with him. They even caught up with him in Normandy, France to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Today, John and Tom do their best to share how much Les meant to his close friends and fellow veterans.
A Minnesota soldier was one of the first to die in the War with Iran. Now friends and family are finding a way to heal. As Jason Rantala reports: the support for Sgt. First Class Nicole Amor is "growing" in a unique way.
Here in Minnesota, a federal judge is threatening civil fines after ICE failed to return personal property to released detainees. As our Conor Wight shows us it's the second time this week, the U.S. attorney has been called to court.
Minnesota leaders are reacting Thursday to President Trump's announcement that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is leaving her post after facing increasing scrutiny following the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good at the hands of federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.